Two bills in the House of Representatives aim to extend the eligibility date for subsidies of COBRA health coverage through June 31, 2010. Currently, those involuntarily discharged from their jobs are eligible for a 65-percent subsidy of COBRA health care only if they are terminated by Dec. 31, 2009.

Both HR 3930 and HR 3966 embrace the new cut-off date but approach matters a bit differently. HR 3966 retains the current COBRA coverage of 18 months, while HR 3930 allows for 24 months for individuals terminated by Dec. 31, 2009 and 15 months, or until Dec. 31, 2010, for all others. Both retain the subsidy level at 65 percent.

The two bills are now under consideration in various committees of the House of Representatives.

Employers, keep your workforces informed of their rights to both COBRA and the COBRA subsidy with Personnel Concepts’ All-in-One COBRA Information Poster.